Horgan In Leinster Squad To Play Cardiff Blues

Shane Horgan will be hoping to get some game-time for Leinster this weekend having been named in the province's squad for the Magners League visit of Cardiff Blues to the RDS.

With no Six Nations action this weekend, the provinces return to Magners League action for the first time since the early January. Ireland winger Shane Horgan, who captained Ireland 'A' against England Saxons recently and was on the bench for the senior game against France, has been named in the Leinster squad to face Cardiff Blues on Saturday night.

This is a crucial game for both sides. Leinster, in first place on 33 points, are five points clear of Cardiff in second and the league remains their only chance of silverware this season.

Leinster have named a strong squad which inlcudes other Ireland sqaud members in Cian Healy and Leo Cullen. Leinster are further boosted by the return from injury of Australia international scrum-half Chris Whitaker who has been missing since the middle of November. There are first call-ups to the squad for Leinster Academy duo Felix Jones and Ian Keatley, both of whom featured in last season's Ireland Under-20 Grand Slam side.

Meanwhile, over 14,000 tickets have been sold for Saturday's game which will have a special 'Ladies Night' theme with proceeds of a pre and post match reception inside the ground on the day going to Action Breast Cancer.

There will be a champagne reception, live music, post-match player appearances, special prizes and a Nivea gift bag for supporters attending on the night. Magners will also be providing the Main Prize of the evening of a trip for two for the 'Best Dressed' Lady to Leinster's Magners League game in Edinburgh this April.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt praised the squad's 'immense character' following the 27-24 GUINNESS Series success against Australia. Meanwhile, captain Rory Best reflects on 'an emotional day' as he made his 100th appearance for his country.

Irish Rugby TV brings you a behind the scenes look at Ireland's final GUINNESS Series game against Australia. Joe Schmidt's men marked captain Rory Best's 100th cap with a superb 27-24 victory over the Wallabies.

Saturday's GUINNESS Series clash with Australia marks Michael Kearney's last game as Ireland team manager. We spoke to him about five memorable years in the role. Watch out for a couple of special cameos!

We're ready to create something legendary. A showcase for rugby nations old and new. A tournament that will grow the game globally, promote the values, spirit and ethos of rugby and will capture the world's imagination. #Ireland2023 - Liam Neeson gives voice to Ireland's bid to host Rugby World Cup 2023.

Tickets are now on sale for the first ever Women's November International Series to be held in the UCD Bowl. Kids go free with any adult tickets. Ireland will face world champions England, top ranked Canada and the Black Ferns of New Zealand.

Tournament Director Garrett Tubridy sets the scene for an exciting weekend of rugby at UCD where 16 Women's Sevens teams will battle it out at for one qualifying spot for the Rio Olympics. Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.ie/sevens.

Tadhg Furlong reflects on a disappointing day for Ireland against South Africa. However, he will take positives from his first Test start and be ready to build for the final match of the series in Port Elizabeth.

Paddy Jackson is preparing for Ireland's second Test against South Africa on Saturday (kick-off 5pm local time/4pm Irish time). The Ulster out-half has been checking out Ellis Park in advance of the match.